**Dallas Sleep: AC Mold Stealing Youth Enzymes?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

October 31, 2025

That persistent musty smell in your Dallas home? It might be more than just a nuisance. It could be mold lurking in your AC system, silently sabotaging your sleep and potentially impacting your long-term health.

Mold isn’t just about unsightly spots; it releases mycotoxins, microscopic compounds that can wreak havoc on your body. For Dallas homeowners, especially those in older homes with aging AC systems, understanding the risks and taking proactive steps is crucial. This article will arm you with the knowledge to identify, remediate, and recover from AC mold exposure, specifically focusing on the impact on sleep and the potential disruption of vital enzymes like NAD+ and sirtuins.

Let’s dive in.

First, let’s talk about sleep. Mycotoxins, inhaled or ingested, can disrupt your sleep cycle. They interfere with neurotransmitter function, particularly those involved in regulating sleep, like serotonin and melatonin. This can lead to insomnia, restless sleep, and a general feeling of fatigue, even after a full night’s rest. Think of it as your brain being constantly bombarded with “noise,” making it difficult to achieve the deep, restorative sleep you need.

Now, the science gets even more interesting. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and sirtuins are crucial for cellular repair, energy production, and overall longevity. Studies suggest that mycotoxins can inhibit the production and function of these vital enzymes. This inhibition can accelerate aging, reduce energy levels, and increase susceptibility to chronic diseases. It’s like putting a roadblock in the cellular pathways that keep you young and healthy.

So, how do you know if you have mold in your AC system? Start with a visual inspection. Look for visible mold growth around vents, coils, and drain pans. A musty odor, even without visible mold, is a strong indicator.

Here’s a DIY mold testing method you can try:

1. Purchase a mold test kit from a local hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe’s in Dallas. Look for kits that include petri dishes and swabs.
2. Carefully swab suspected areas of mold growth in your AC unit. Focus on areas with visible discoloration or dampness.
3. Follow the kit’s instructions to incubate the swab in the petri dish.
4. Observe the dish for mold growth over the next few days. Compare the growth to the kit’s reference guide to identify potential mold types.

Important Note: DIY tests are preliminary. If you suspect significant mold contamination, professional testing is essential.

If your DIY test comes back positive, or if you strongly suspect mold, it’s time to call in the professionals. Several reputable mold remediation companies serve the Dallas area. Look for companies with certifications from organizations like the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).

Here’s what professional mold remediation typically involves:

• Inspection and Assessment: A thorough inspection to identify the source and extent of the mold contamination.
• Containment: Sealing off the affected area to prevent the spread of mold spores.
• Removal: Physically removing the mold-contaminated materials. This may involve cleaning, disinfecting, or removing and replacing drywall, insulation, or other affected components.
• Cleaning and Disinfection: Cleaning and disinfecting the affected area and surrounding surfaces to kill any remaining mold spores.
• Prevention: Addressing the underlying moisture problem that caused the mold growth in the first place. This may involve repairing leaks, improving ventilation, or installing a dehumidifier.

Challenge: Many Dallas homeowners make the mistake of only addressing the visible mold without fixing the underlying moisture issue. This leads to recurring mold problems.

Solution: Ensure your remediation company identifies and addresses the source of the moisture. This might involve repairing a leaky roof, improving drainage around your foundation, or addressing condensation issues in your AC system.

Beyond remediation, you need to focus on optimizing your sleep hygiene and supporting NAD+ and sirtuin production to counteract the effects of mold exposure.

Here are some practical steps:

• Optimize Sleep Hygiene:
  • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
  • Create a dark, quiet, and cool sleep environment.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
  • Consider using a white noise machine or earplugs to block out distractions.
  • Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or taking a warm bath.
• Support NAD+ and Sirtuin Production:
  • Diet: Consume foods rich in polyphenols, such as berries, grapes, and dark chocolate. These compounds can activate sirtuins.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity, especially high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can boost NAD+ levels.
  • Supplementation: Consider supplementing with nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), precursors to NAD+. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.
  • Intermittent Fasting: Practicing intermittent fasting can also increase NAD+ levels and promote cellular repair.

Pitfall: Many people rely solely on supplements without addressing the underlying lifestyle factors that support NAD+ and sirtuin production.

Solution: Focus on a holistic approach that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene, in addition to supplementation.

Let’s consider a real-world scenario. Imagine a family in the Lakewood neighborhood of Dallas experiencing persistent fatigue and sleep problems. They initially attributed it to stress, but after noticing a musty smell in their home, they suspected mold. They performed a DIY test, which came back positive. They hired a certified mold remediation company to remove the mold from their AC system and address a leaky pipe in their attic. In addition to the remediation, they implemented the sleep hygiene and NAD+/sirtuin-boosting strategies outlined above. Within a few weeks, they reported significant improvements in their sleep quality, energy levels, and overall well-being.

Mold exposure from AC systems is a serious issue that can significantly impact your health, especially your sleep and cellular function. For Dallas homeowners, understanding the risks, taking proactive steps to identify and remediate mold, and optimizing your lifestyle to support cellular repair are crucial for maintaining optimal health and well-being. Don’t ignore that musty smell; take action today to protect your health and your home.